NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Zayed Medal, the United Arab Emirates' highest civilian award, on Thursday as a mark of appreciation for his efforts to boost bilateral ties between the two nations. The Zayed Medal has earlier been awarded to Russian President Vladimir Putin, former US president George W Bush, former France president Nicolas Sarkozy, German Chancellor Angela Markel, Queen Elizabeth II from the United Kingdom and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
In a tweet, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, said, "We have historical and comprehensive strategic ties with India, reinforced by the pivotal role of my dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who gave these relations a big boost."
PM Modi tweeted to say he accepts the award with "utmost humility".
"The State visit of the Prime Minister (Modi) to UAE in February last year helped in sustaining the momentum generated by earlier visits of Crown Prince in 2017 and 2016 and that of PM in 2015," the Ministry of External Affairs said.
External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said India "greatly" appreciated this honour conferred on PM Modi.
"This singular honour is in recognition of the efforts of the government under the Prime Minister's leadership to develop the strategic partnership between India and the UAE," Mr Kumar said.
External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said India "greatly" appreciated this honour conferred on PM Modi.
India and UAE share warm relations that were strengthened after PM Modi paid a visit to the nation in 2015. PM Modi visited the UAE for the second time as Prime Minister in February last year and held wide-ranging talks with the Crown Prince.
After their talks, the two sides signed five agreements related to energy sector, railways, manpower and financial services.
The Crown Prince had also visited India in 2017 as the chief guest for Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi.